Pasay official who helped ‘Yolanda’ victims cited

MANILA, Philippines–An international organization has honored a Pasay City official for her exemplary service to the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in November 2013.

Pasay City Social Worker Department chief Rosalinda Orobia bagged the trophy for Exemplary Registered Government Social Worker given by the Consuelo Foundation which supports programs that “prevent and treat abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, women and families.”

The foundation was named after founder Consuelo Zobel de Ayala Argel, a philanthropist and member of the Zobel de Ayala family. With its main office in Hawaii, it has a satellite office in Manila.

“I am surprised and at the same time grateful that an international organization noticed our dedication to our work. At the end, we are just doing our job,” Orobia said.

According to a statement of the city government, Orobia spearheaded the “immediate relief and rehabilitation” of victims of the killer typhoon who sought temporary shelter at the Villamor Airbase.

Her team made sure the typhoon survivors received the necessary relief assistance, including financial aid, that would help them start over once they return to their provinces.

“At the same time we became part of the healing process of those who were affected…. I believe that after-care is also part of a social worker’s job,” said Orobia who has been in the service for 32 years.